1. Know Your Source
Fish is a healthy food, but you must avoid tainted fish. Fish can become tainted in many ways, so learning to identify fish that is old, spoiled or mishandled is key to preparing healthy meals. Buy your freshwater fish from a reputable source. Purchasing from a roadside stand may be a quaint way to obtain your fish but only if you know the person selling them. If you are purchasing from a random stand, you may be at risk. Use a store or stand with a good reputation for your fish needs.
2. Check for Freshness
Look for signs of tainted freshwater fish. Fish should not have a strong odor. If it has a strong, fishy smell, chances are the fish is not fresh. The flesh of the fish should be firm and spring back when touched. Avoid fish that is in a display case. Instead, ask if there are fresh fish in the back. If there is any doubt about the freshness of the fish, don't purchase it. Purchasing from someone who knows fish is one of the best methods to avoiding tainted fish. Ask question as to age, where the fish is from and anything else that may concern you. If you ask these questions and don't get answers that satisfy you, consider going elsewhere.
3. Know Where Your Fish Swim
Know where your freshwater fish comes from. While buying from a reputable source and looking for signs of healthy fish are key, knowing where your fish came from is also a way to identify tainted freshwater fish. Fish from certain areas are exposed to things in their natural habitat. While there are regulations and laws in place to lessen this risk, there are still incidents of tainted fish getting to the market and consumers. Freshwater fish can contain higher levels of mercury. Pregnant women especially should avoid fish with high mercury content.
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